The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on 13th January 2024. 

The operation led to the seizure of 03 Indian trawlers with 12 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse in Kareinagar, Jaffna.

The Navy conducts regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices by foreign fishing trawlers, taking into account the consequences of these practices on the livelihood of local fishermen and marine resources of the country.

In continuation of these efforts, the Northern Naval Command deployed its Fast Attack Craft to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters on 13th January. 

In this operation, naval personnel held 03 Indian poaching trawler with 12 Indian fishermen, continued to remain in island waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse.

The apprehended Indian fishermen (12) and the poaching trawlers (03) were brought to the Kankasanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal action.